DRC Scandal: 8 UN Peacekeepers Arrested, 1 Officer Suspended For Sexual Exploitation

Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo – The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) has made a shocking announcement concerning peacekeepers deployed in the eastern DRC on Wednesday, MONUSCO revealed it had taken “strong measures” against eight peacekeepers and suspended an officer from the South African contingent amid allegations of serious misconduct, including sexual exploitation and violence.

The disturbing revelations came to light through internal documents from MONUSCO that were reviewed by Agence France-Presse (AFP). According to these documents, eight peacekeepers stationed in Beni, eastern DRC, were arrested on October 1st, with an officer being suspended on October 8th.

The case revolves around allegations of sexual exploitation and violence, with internal reports suggesting a “systematic and widespread violation” of UN rules against exploitation and sexual abuse.

In response, MONUSCO released a press statement on Wednesday, indicating that the Office of Internal Oversight Services had been informed of the situation, and interim measures had been implemented in accordance with the UN Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy.

The measures include suspension, detention, and confinement of the implicated peacekeepers. MONUSCO strongly condemned such behaviour as entirely incompatible with the principles and standards expected of United Nations personnel.

The internal documents shed light on disturbing details, with one report mentioning that certain establishments in Beni, such as brothels named “Soweto,” “Bloemfontein,” and “Cape Town,” appear to be associated with these alleged violations. Furthermore, “makeshift bars” near the MONUSCO Mavivi base in Beni were cited as locations where transactional sexual relations were said to occur.

In connection with this case, the suspended officer reportedly resorted to intimidation and verbal threats against UN personnel after the initial arrest of the peacekeepers, resulting in an attempted escape, a brawl, and a pursuit by elements of the UN military police.

The shocking revelations have come at a critical time for the United Nations presence in the DRC. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has been urging countries from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including South Africa, to deploy forces to support the Congolese army in its fight against the M23 rebellion, which has taken control of significant portions of the North Kivu province since May.

In addition to this, the DRC government has been vocal about its desire for an “accelerated” departure of the UN force, starting in December of this year.

The government has accused the UN mission of failing to bring an end to violence perpetrated by armed groups despite 25 years of presence in the country.